Matcha and pound cake—two beloved elements from different culinary worlds—come together in this deeply aromatic, buttery dessert. The Japanese Matcha Pound Cake is rich, dense, and beautifully tinted with a natural green hue that makes it perfect for everything from afternoon tea to a thoughtful homemade gift.
In this detailed guide, you’ll discover how to select the right matcha powder, master the art of baking the perfect pound cake loaf, and explore flavorful variations. If you love baking with tea or want to explore matcha’s earthy complexity in a cozy format, this recipe is for you.
Looking for more dessert inspiration? Don’t miss our Matcha Overnight Oats recipe for a healthier start to your day.
Ingredients for Japanese Matcha Pound Cake
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups (220g) all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tbsp culinary-grade matcha powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (100g) light brown sugar
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk (room temperature)
Optional Toppings:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries or a drizzle of white chocolate
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly butter a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, matcha powder, baking powder, and salt.
- Whisk to ensure even distribution and break up matcha clumps.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using a mixer.
- Mix on medium speed for 3–4 minutes until the mixture becomes pale and fluffy.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
- Stir in vanilla extract for depth of flavor.
Step 5: Alternate Wet and Dry Mix
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, alternating with milk.
- Mix gently to avoid overdeveloping gluten (which can cause a tough cake).
Step 6: Pour and Bake
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Tap the pan on the counter to release air bubbles.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cover with foil if browning too quickly.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
- Let the loaf rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Wait at least 1 hour before slicing to preserve texture.
Tips for the Perfect Matcha Pound Cake
- Use high-quality matcha: A bright green color and delicate flavor depend on good culinary-grade powder.
- Always sift matcha powder to prevent bitter clumps.
- Room temperature ingredients ensure better mixing and texture.
- Avoid overmixing—this is a cake, not bread!
Serving Suggestions
- A light dusting of powdered sugar adds visual contrast.
- Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a creamy counterpart.
- Fresh raspberries or strawberries bring brightness.
- Add texture with pistachios or chocolate chips mixed into the batter.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Pistachio Lemon Cake Loaf for another nutty twist on traditional loaves.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 3–4 days.
- For longer storage, wrap slices and freeze individually. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Discover great ideas like our Date Snickers for freezer-friendly sweet bites.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dense loaf | Overmixing | Mix batter gently with a spatula |
| Dull color | Low-quality matcha | Use vibrant, culinary-grade matcha |
| Soggy center | Underbaking | Bake until a toothpick comes out clean |
| Dry loaf | Overbaking | Check loaf early, cover with foil if needed |
Conclusion:
This Japanese Matcha Pound Cake blends East and West beautifully, offering an earthy, not-too-sweet flavor with a luxurious texture. It’s a satisfying bake for tea lovers and adventurous bakers alike. Try it as an afternoon snack, a dessert centerpiece, or a meaningful homemade gift.
Check out our Matcha Green Tea Frozen Yogurt for a chilled alternative to this baked delight.